Negril Notes

Banana Shout - Review

February 20, 2006

I went to “The Shout” in October 2004 less than a month after hurricane Ivan hit the West End of Negril head on. The damage to the resort and the entire area was devastating, but with all the trappings of tourism stripped away we got to experience the soul of Banana Shout.

Location:

Right on the cliff, the ocean views are spectacular. It’s a small property, sort of pie-shaped with the point at the street entrance. Being on the far end of the West End resort area it’s quiet, but if you’re walking to anywhere other than Rick’s (next door) bring good shoes.

Accommodations:

We stayed in the big 2 floor cabin called Seaside 1, and even though the new owner has raised rates, this is one of the best values in Negril.

The first floor has a kitchenette with a full sized fridge, sink and hot plate with plenty of pots, pans, dishes, silverware and utensils. There’s even a percolator style coffee pot. Two couch/beds, an armoire and a big round kitchen table fill the rest of the space. Plenty of hurricane shuttered windows keep the room lit, cool and airy without compromising privacy.

The bathroom is large and well lit. The shower has excellent pressure, there is an electric hot water heater, but we never used it. The fresh ambient water makes for a refreshing experience.

Upstairs is the bedroom. We got to calling it the bamboo lung. Two double beds, a high ceiling and an efficient fan to circulate the cool Caribbean breeze all night long.

The most spectacular feature of Seaside 1 is the two, yes two, verandas, one on each floor complete with hammocks. The sunset view from the hammock on the second floor veranda is an experience everyone should enjoy at least once in their life, there’s even a table to hold your Red Stripe at arms length.

People:

My trip to “The Shout” was several years and one owner ago, so my people comments may be out dated. We were the only ones there, so we had them all to ourselves.

Mark Conklin, the owner and writer of the book Banana Shout, was there rebuilding the place, and his time and stories really added depth to our visit. Anne Marie the housekeeper took good care of us, a few authentic Jamaican home cooked meals and a pretty bright smile each time I looked her way. Alex was the yardman who no matter how busy he was re-building the resort, he was there to open the gate, flag us a taxi, whatever we needed. It was like staying with a family.

Property:

It’s not really fair for me to gauge the property. When I was there it was a construction site and the entire garden was wiped out, and though the process of construction and wall rebuilding added a texture to my trip that continues to make it one of my most memorable, it’s not what most normal people would enjoy.

The cliffs themselves are a great feature of the property. Limestone walls, platform and stairways allow you to jump, dive, or safely walk right in to the warm Caribbean waters. We spent several remarkable sunsets right above the water.

I’ve been by “The Shout” several times since staying there and the garden has bounced back well. The cottages are painted bright funky colors giving the place a bohemian feel commensurate with its vibrant history.

Vinny